13th July 2013 Seaside Saunter

Took the bike to the seaside today. Went to Weston Super Mare to see some of the grandchildren and had a couple of rides out with them to the sea front. As you can see, it was a very hot day, or as the Italian weather people say, "Scorchio".

The Promenade

This was taken mid morning and shows a general view of the promenade at Weston. Not too many folks about, they were all still charging down the M5 to make the most of the day.  Known as Weston Super Mud, the low tide mark is about a mile from the sea front owing to the large tidal range in the Bristol Channel. Although the beach is sandy, the low tide uncovers large areas of thick mud which are very dangerous to walk on.  Carmen, on her new bike, looking for the sea.

No Paddling

Carmen and I took a little ride onto the sand and she wanted to have a paddle in this little pool.  It did not look too inviting but kids don't care do they.  I thought there would be more kids in it as it is a safe environment, and then I spotted the sign saying 'No Paddling This is a boating lake'.  Not a happy bunny when I asked her to get out. Later on in the day, it was heaving with kids. Note to the Council, make the kids a paddling pool.

The Train

Good for the tourists, and the local council, at £1.50 a throw, this motorised 'train' goes along the sea front for about a mile round trip. I think the GWR on the side was a play on the word Weston as opposed the Great Western Railway. Nice to see that they catered for wheelchair users with a specially adapted carriage at the back.  No Carmen, you cannot have a go!

The Pier

The pavilion at the end of the pier was completely destroyed by fire in July 2008 but has been rebuilt at an initial cost of £39 million which escalated to £51 million after continuing problems and set backs. It finally reopened in October 2010. The amount of money that is pumped into the arcades and rides by hoards of kids,  has probably paid for the rebuild by now. 

A leisurely day at the seaside. Went out three times today, twice with Carmen and once with Tommy. Did about 10 miles in all, but never recorded it properly. Too hot!